Senior Vehicle Engineer (M.S./Ph.D.)
Exponent
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Job summary
Exponent seeks a Senior Vehicle Engineer to join our Vehicle Engineering Practice, tackling accident reconstruction, vehicle-structure research, and performance evaluations of consumer and industrial products. You will blend deep technical knowledge with clear communication to deliver robust analyses for diverse clients.
You will develop specialized expertise in emerging vehicle technologies, manage projects from start to finish, contribute to business development, and collaborate across
Qualifications
- Master's or Ph.D. in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering; at least one degree must be in Mechanical Engineering.
- Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required.
- For master's-level candidates, at least four years of relevant industry experience in automotive engineering.
- For Ph.D.-level candidates, at least three years of relevant industry experience in automotive engineering.
- Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in automotive systems, vehicle technology, and vehicle or mechanical-system performance.
- Hands-on experience in a garage, workshop, field, or laboratory environment, involving ground vehicles in the context of engineering instrumentation, inspection, testing, measurement, troubleshooting, repair, and/or disassembly.
- Experience with collegiate racing teams such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, EcoCar, Driverless, evGrand Prix, Formula Electric, Formula Hybrid, or other motorsports teams, is highly desired
- Strong foundation in statics, dynamics, mechanics, and mechanical design
- Experience with 3D CAD; proficiency with tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Rhino 3D is preferred. Technical programming skills are a plus
- Field and/or laboratory measurement experience and a demonstrated aptitude for complex technical analysis and problem-solving
- Clear technical writing skills, including demonstrated scholarly or professional writing; experience preparing a thesis, dissertation, peer-reviewed paper, technical report, or conference presentation is strongly preferred
- Strong verbal communication and leadership skills, with the ability to synthesize and effectively present technical information to non-technical and technical audiences
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or the willingness and ability to obtain licensure
- Versatile, collaborative, and team-oriented, with a proven dedication to quality and accuracy
Responsibilities
- Perform technical engineering analyses of accidents involving passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, public transportation, two-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, roadway users, and heavy equipment
- Conduct first-hand field investigations, including site, scene, vehicle, equipment, and component inspections
- Plan, set up, and execute field and laboratory test programs, including full-scale crash, sled, and handling tests, as well as vehicle, component, and control-system evaluations
- Apply vehicle-and-component-level testing and engineering measurements to refine, validate, or demonstrate technical analyses
- Analyze mechanical failures and evaluate the design, performance, and safety of consumer and industrial products and existing or emerging vehicle technologies
- Identify research needs and conduct original, cutting-edge research that advances accident reconstruction, automotive technology, and other pressing vehicle-transportation issues
- Manage projects from initiation through completion, communicate status and technical updates to project teams, clients, and administrative staff, and help ensure deadlines and quality expectations are met
- Prepare clear technical reports and present findings through presentations and, when applicable, testimony to technical and non-technical audiences
- Conducting vehicle inspections, which may require some travel within the U.S.
- Develop specialized technical expertise and contribute to business development opportunities
- Work occasional overtime in order to meet client and project requirements
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Job ID: 2026-2636
Location: US-GA-Atlanta
Practice: Vehicle Engineering
Position Type: Full-time
Workplace Type: On-Site
Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients' most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.
Our vision is to engage multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.
Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you'll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team!
Key statistics:
- 950+ Consultants
- 640+ Ph.D.s
- 90+ Disciplines
- 30+ Offices globally
We are currently seeking Senior Vehicle Engineers for our Vehicle Engineering Practice in Natick, MA; Philadelphia, PA; Atlanta, GA; Phoenix, AZ; Tampa, FL; Farmington Hills, MI; and Austin, TX. In this role, you will work as part of a multidisciplinary team on consulting projects involving the analysis and reconstruction of transportation and heavy-equipment accidents, investigation of mechanical failures, research on vehicle structures, and evaluation of the design, performance, and safety of consumer and industrial products. You will combine a strong technical foundation, hands-on engineering skills, and clear communication to help clients solve complex technical problems.
You will support established consulting engagements while developing specialized expertise in areas such as existing and emerging vehicle technologies, vehicle and component performance, and transportation accident analysis. The role offers opportunities to conduct original research, manage projects, contribute to business development, and build an independent consulting practice while growing professionally within Exponent.
- Perform technical engineering analyses of accidents involving passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, public transportation, two-wheeled vehicles, pedestrians, roadway users, and heavy equipment
- Conduct first-hand field investigations, including site, scene, vehicle, equipment, and component inspections
- Plan, set up, and execute field and laboratory test programs, including full-scale crash, sled, and handling tests, as well as vehicle, component, and control-system evaluations
- Apply vehicle-and-component-level testing and engineering measurements to refine, validate, or demonstrate technical analyses
- Analyze mechanical failures and evaluate the design, performance, and safety of consumer and industrial products and existing or emerging vehicle technologies
- Identify research needs and conduct original, cutting-edge research that advances accident reconstruction, automotive technology, and other pressing vehicle-transportation issues
- Manage projects from initiation through completion, communicate status and technical updates to project teams, clients, and administrative staff, and help ensure deadlines and quality expectations are met
- Prepare clear technical reports and present findings through presentations and, when applicable, testimony to technical and non-technical audiences
- Conducting vehicle inspections, which may require some travel within the U.S.
- Develop specialized technical expertise and contribute to business development opportunities
- Work occasional overtime in order to meet client and project requirements
- Master's degree (M.S. or M.Eng.) or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a closely related engineering field. At least one degree must be in Mechanical Engineering for candidates whose graduate degree is in another engineering discipline.
- Presently legally authorized to work in the United States; no immigration sponsorship or processing required
- For master's-level candidates, at least four years of relevant industry experience in automotive engineering
- For Ph.D.-level candidates, at least three years of relevant industry experience in automotive engineering
- Knowledge of or demonstrated interest in automotive systems, vehicle technology, and vehicle or mechanical-system performance
- Hands-on experience in a garage, workshop, field, or laboratory environment, involving ground vehicles in the context of engineering instrumentation, inspection, testing, measurement, troubleshooting, repair, and/or disassembly
- Experience with collegiate racing teams such as Formula SAE, Baja SAE, EcoCar, Driverless, evGrand Prix, Formula Electric, Formula Hybrid, or other motorsports teams, is highly desired
- Strong foundation in statics, dynamics, mechanics, and mechanical design
- Experience with 3D CAD; proficiency with tools such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or Rhino 3D is preferred. Technical programming skills are a plus
- Field and/or laboratory measurement experience and a demonstrated aptitude for complex technical analysis and problem-solving
- Clear technical writing skills, including demonstrated scholarly or professional writing; experience preparing a thesis, dissertation, peer-reviewed paper, technical report, or conference presentation is strongly preferred
- Strong verbal communication and leadership skills, with the ability to synthesize and effectively present technical information to non-technical and technical audiences
- Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or the willingness and ability to obtain licensure
- Versatile, collaborative, and team-oriented, with a proven dedication to quality and accuracy
Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].
To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact
Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.
Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference.
At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment.
We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients.
Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.
The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.
USD $127,000.00 - USD $150,000.00 /Yr.
Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status.
If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com.
- US-GA-Atlanta
- US-MA-Natick
- US-MI-Farmington Hills
- US-PA-Philadelphia
- US-FL-Tampa
- US-AZ-Phoenix
- US-TX-Austin
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